We can still learn about probability by rolling dice and tossing coins

Article

Dunn, Peter K.. 2005. "We can still learn about probability by rolling dice and tossing coins." Teaching Statistics. 27 (2), pp. 37-41. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9639.2005.00205.x
Article Title

We can still learn about probability by rolling dice and tossing coins

Article CategoryArticle
Authors
AuthorDunn, Peter K.
Journal TitleTeaching Statistics
Journal Citation27 (2), pp. 37-41
Number of Pages7
Year2005
Place of PublicationUK
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9639.2005.00205.x
Web Address (URL)http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1467-9639.2005.00205.x
Abstract

Rolling dice and tossing coins can still
be used to teach probability even if
students know (or think they know) what
happens in these experiments. Many
simple variations of these experiments
are considered which are interesting,
potentially enjoyable and challenging.
Using these variations can cause students
(and teachers) to think again about the
statistical issues involved-and learn in
the process.

Keywordsteaching, probability, dice, coins
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020490506. Probability theory
Public Notes

Copyright 2005 Blackwell Publishing. This is an electronic version of an article published in Teaching Statistics, as published in the print edition of the Journal. The published version is available via Blackwell Synergy. Print ISSN 0141-982X.

Byline AffiliationsDepartment of Mathematics and Computing
Permalink -

https://research.usq.edu.au/item/9x88y/we-can-still-learn-about-probability-by-rolling-dice-and-tossing-coins

Log in to edit

Download files

  • 2543
    total views
  • 5732
    total downloads
  • 3
    views this month
  • 3
    downloads this month

Export as

Related outputs

Statistics poster competitions: an opportunity to connect academics and teachers
Dunn, Peter K., Richardson, Alice, Prodromou, Theodosia and Axelsen, Taryn. 2020. "Statistics poster competitions: an opportunity to connect academics and teachers." Statistics Education Research Journal. 19 (1).
Research into teaching and learning of tertiary mathematics and statistics
Galligan, Linda, Coupland, Mary, Dunn, Peter K., Hernandez Martinez, Paul and Oates, Greg. 2020. "Research into teaching and learning of tertiary mathematics and statistics." Way, Jennifer, Attard, Catherine, Anderson, Judy, Bobis, Janette, McMaster, Heather and Cartwright, Katherin (ed.) Research in mathematics education in Australasia 2016–2019. Singapore. Springer. pp. 269-292
Ten simple rules for learning the language of statistics
Richardson, Alice M., Dunn, Peter K., Carey, Michael D. and McDonald, Christine. 2016. "Ten simple rules for learning the language of statistics." MacGilivray, Helen, Martin, Michael A. and Phillips, Brian (ed.) OZCOTS 2016: Satellite to ASC 2016 Australian Statistical Conference. Canberra, Australia 08 - 09 Dec 2016 Australia.
Introductory statistics textbooks and the GAISE recommendations
Dunn, Peter K., Carey, Michael D., Farrar, Michael B., Richardson, Alice M. and McDonald, Christine. 2017. "Introductory statistics textbooks and the GAISE recommendations." The American Statistician. 71 (4), pp. 326-335. https://doi.org/10.1080/00031305.2016.1251972
Learning the language of statistics: challenges and teaching approaches
Dunn, Peter K., Carey, Michael D., Richardson, Alice M. and McDonald, Christine. 2016. "Learning the language of statistics: challenges and teaching approaches." Statistics Education Research Journal. 15 (1), pp. 8-27.
Instructor perceptions of using a mobile phone-based, free classroom response system in first-year statistics undergraduate courses: implications for teaching practice
Dunn, Peter K., Richardson, Alice, McDonald, Christine, Oprescu, Florin and Fairweather, Helen. 2011. "Instructor perceptions of using a mobile phone-based, free classroom response system in first-year statistics undergraduate courses: implications for teaching practice." Hannah, John and Thomas, Mike (ed.) 8th Southern Hemisphere Conference on the Teaching and Learning of Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics: Volcanic Delta 2011. Rotorua, New Zealand 27 Nov - 02 Dec 2011
Tertiary mathematics education
Coupland, Mary, Dunn, Peter K., Galligan, Linda, Oates, Greg and Trenholm, Sven. 2016. "Tertiary mathematics education." Maker, Katie, Dole, Shelley, Visnovska, Jana, Goos, Merrilyn, Bennison, Anne and Fry, Kym (ed.) Research in Mathematics Education in Australasia 2012-2015. Singapore. Springer. pp. 187-211
CRiSP: an instrument for assessing student perceptions of classroom response systems
Richardson, Alice M., Dunn, Peter K., McDonald, Christine and Oprescu, Florin. 2015. "CRiSP: an instrument for assessing student perceptions of classroom response systems." Journal of Science Education and Technology. 24 (4), pp. 432-447. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-014-9528-2
StatsCasts: screencasts for complementing lectures in statistics classes
Dunn, Peter K., McDonald, Christine and Loch, Birgit. 2015. "StatsCasts: screencasts for complementing lectures in statistics classes." International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology. 46 (4), pp. 521-532. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2014.990530
StatsCasts: supporting student learning of introductory statistics
McDonald, Christine, Dunn, Peter K., Loch, Birgit and Weiss, Vida. 2013. "StatsCasts: supporting student learning of introductory statistics." Deborah, King, Birgit, Loch and Leanne, Rylands (ed.) 9th Delta Conference of Teaching and Learning of Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics 2013: Shining Through the Fog. Kiama, Australia 24 - 29 Nov 2013 Sydney, Australia.
Mobile-phone-based classroom response systems: students' perceptions of engagement and learning in a large undergraduate course
Dunn, Peter K., Richardson, Alice, Oprescu, Florin and McDonald, Christine. 2013. "Mobile-phone-based classroom response systems: students' perceptions of engagement and learning in a large undergraduate course." International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology. 44 (8), pp. 1160-1174. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2012.756548
Instructor perceptions of using a mobile-phone-based, free classroom response system in first-year statistics undergraduate courses
Dunn, Peter K., Richardson, Alice, McDonald, Christine and Oprescu, Florin. 2012. "Instructor perceptions of using a mobile-phone-based, free classroom response system in first-year statistics undergraduate courses." International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology. 43 (8), pp. 1041-1056. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2012.678896
Estimating winter crop area across seasons and regions using time-sequential MODIS imagery
Potgieter, Andries, Apan, Armando, Hammer, Graeme and Dunn, Peter. 2011. "Estimating winter crop area across seasons and regions using time-sequential MODIS imagery." International Journal of Remote Sensing. 32 (15), pp. 4281-4310. https://doi.org/10.1080/01431161.2010.486415
Expectations of Ability and Disability at University: The Fine Art of Managing Lives, Perceptions, and Curricula
Hammer, Sara, Werth, Shalene, Dunn, Peter, Lawson, Kym and d'Abadie, Danielle. 2011. "Expectations of Ability and Disability at University: The Fine Art of Managing Lives, Perceptions, and Curricula." Midgley, Warren, Tyler, Mark A., Danaher, Patrick Alan and Mander, Alison (ed.) Beyond Binaries in Education Research. New York, NY. United States. Routledge. pp. 211-220
Interspecific competition and small bird diversity in an urbanizing landscape
Kath, Jarrod, Maron, Martine and Dunn, Peter K.. 2009. "Interspecific competition and small bird diversity in an urbanizing landscape." Landscape and Urban Planning. 92 (2), pp. 72-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2009.02.007
A statistical distribution for modelling rainfall with promising application in crop science
Lennox, Sarah, Dunn, Peter K., Power, Brendan and De Voil, Peter. 2004. "A statistical distribution for modelling rainfall with promising application in crop science." Fischer, Tony, Turner, Neil, Angus, John, McIntyre, Lynne, Robertson, Michael, Borrell, Andrew and Lloyd, David (ed.) 4th International Crop Science Congress (ICSC 2004): New Directions for a Diverse Planet. Brisbane, Australia 26 Sep - 01 Oct 2004 Gosford, Australia.
What Happens When a 1 × 1 × r Die is Rolled?
Dunn, Peter K.. 2003. "What Happens When a 1 × 1 × r Die is Rolled? " The American Statistician. 57 (4), pp. 258-264. https://doi.org/10.1198/0003130032332
Log-linear models
Dunn, Peter K.. 2004. "Log-linear models." Kempf-Leonard, Kimberley (ed.) Encyclopedia of social measurement. Dallas, TX. USA. Elsevier. pp. 585-589
Can offsets really compensate for habitat removal? The case of the endangered red-tailed black-cockatoo
Maron, Martine, Dunn, Peter K., McAlpine, Clive A. and Apan, Armando. 2010. "Can offsets really compensate for habitat removal? The case of the endangered red-tailed black-cockatoo." Journal of Applied Ecology. 47 (2), pp. 348-355. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2664.2010.01787.x
Early-season crop area estimates for winter crops in NE Australia using MODIS satellite imagery
Potgieter, A. B., Apan, A., Hammer, G. and Dunn, P.. 2010. "Early-season crop area estimates for winter crops in NE Australia using MODIS satellite imagery." ISPRS Journal of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing. 65 (4), pp. 380-387. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isprsjprs.2010.04.004
Commonality of rainfall variables influencing suspended solids concentrations in storm runoff from three different urban impervious surfaces
Brodie, Ian M. and Dunn, Peter K.. 2010. "Commonality of rainfall variables influencing suspended solids concentrations in storm runoff from three different urban impervious surfaces." Journal of Hydrology. 387 (3-4), pp. 202-211. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2010.04.008
Tertiary students with a disability or chronic illness: stigma and study
Hammer, Sara, Werth, Shalene and Dunn, Peter. 2009. "Tertiary students with a disability or chronic illness: stigma and study." Bedford, Tas, Huijser, Henk and Muller, Sarah (ed.) Enabling Pathways: 3rd National Conference of Enabling Educators. Toowoomba, Australia 25 - 27 Nov 2009 Toowoomba, Australia.
Suspended particle characteristics in storm runoff from urban impervious surfaces in Toowoomba, Australia
Brodie, Ian M. and Dunn, Peter K.. 2009. "Suspended particle characteristics in storm runoff from urban impervious surfaces in Toowoomba, Australia." Urban Water Journal. 6 (2), pp. 137-146. https://doi.org/10.1080/15730620802541607
The impact of disabilities and long-term medical conditions on the student learning experience at USQ
Lawson, Kym, Werth, Shalene, Dunn, Peter and d'Abadie, Danielle. 2008. "The impact of disabilities and long-term medical conditions on the student learning experience at USQ." Pathways 9. Melbourne, Australia 02 - 05 Dec 2008 Melbourne, Australia.
Evaluation of Tweedie exponential dispersion model densities by Fourier inversion
Dunn, Peter K. and Smyth, Gordon K.. 2008. "Evaluation of Tweedie exponential dispersion model densities by Fourier inversion." Statistics and Computing. 18 (1), pp. 73-86. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11222-007-9039-6
Building-in quality rather than assessing quality afterwards: a technological solution to ensuring computational accuracy in learning materials
Dunn, Peter K.. 2008. "Building-in quality rather than assessing quality afterwards: a technological solution to ensuring computational accuracy in learning materials." Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching. 27 (1), pp. 47-63.
Future scenarios for endangered species habitat in an intensifying agricultural landscape
Apan, Armando, Maron, Martine and Dunn, Peter. 2007. "Future scenarios for endangered species habitat in an intensifying agricultural landscape." ESA 2007: Adapting to Change. Perth, Australia 25 - 30 Nov 2007 Perth, Australia. Ecological Society of Australia.
Analysis of the rainfall data in Queensland using the Tweedie GLM
Ohnishi, Toshio and Dunn, Peter K.. 2007. "Analysis of the rainfall data in Queensland using the Tweedie GLM ." 2007 Japanese Joint Statistical Meeting. Kobe, Japan 06 - 09 Sep 2007 Japan.
Cloud observations for the statistical evaluation of the UV index at Toowoomba, Australia
Parisi, A. V., Sabburg, J., Turner, J. and Dunn, P. K.. 2008. "Cloud observations for the statistical evaluation of the UV index at Toowoomba, Australia." International Journal of Biometeorology: the description, causes, and implications of climatic change. 52 (3), pp. 159-166. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00484-007-0106-7
What happens with all that maths? (Part 2)
Dunn, Peter K.. 2004. "What happens with all that maths? (Part 2)." Teaching Mathematics. 29 (1), pp. 18-24.
What happens with all that maths?
Dunn, Peter K.. 2003. "What happens with all that maths?" Teaching Mathematics. 28 (4), pp. 29-34.
Continent-scale pattern in temporal dynamics of avian assemblages
Apan, Armando, Maron, Martine and Dunn, Peter K.. 2007. "Continent-scale pattern in temporal dynamics of avian assemblages." Bunce, R., Jongman, Rob, Hojas, L. and Weel, S. (ed.) IALE 2007: 25 Years Landscape Ecology: Scientific Principles in Practice. Wageningen, Netherlands 08 - 12 Jul 2007 Wageningen, Netherlands.
Estimating crop area using seasonal time series of Enhanced Vegetation Index from MODIS satellite imagery
Potgieter, Andries B., Apan, Armando, Dunn, Peter K. and Hammer, Graeme L.. 2007. "Estimating crop area using seasonal time series of Enhanced Vegetation Index from MODIS satellite imagery." Crop and Pasture Science. 58 (4), pp. 316-325. https://doi.org/10.1071/AR06279
Bootstrap confidence intervals for predicted rainfall quantiles
Dunn, Peter K.. 2001. "Bootstrap confidence intervals for predicted rainfall quantiles." International Journal of Climatology. 21 (1), pp. 89-94. https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.596
Calculus demonstrations using Matlab
Dunn, Peter K. and Harman, Chris. 2002. "Calculus demonstrations using Matlab." International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology. 33 (4), pp. 584-596. https://doi.org/10.1080/002073902320300856
Understanding statistics using computer demonstrations
Dunn, Peter K.. 2003. "Understanding statistics using computer demonstrations." Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching. 22 (3), pp. 261-281.
Occurrence and quantity of precipitation can be modelled simultaneously
Dunn, Peter K.. 2004. "Occurrence and quantity of precipitation can be modelled simultaneously ." International Journal of Climatology. 24 (10), pp. 1231-1239. https://doi.org/10.1002/joc.1063
Statistical evaluation of data from tractor guidance systems
Dunn, Peter K., Powierski, Andrew P. and Hill, Rodger. 2006. "Statistical evaluation of data from tractor guidance systems." Precision Agriculture. 7 (3), pp. 179-192. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11119-006-9007-8
Series evaluation of Tweedie exponential dispersion model densities
Dunn, Peter K. and Smyth, Gordon K.. 2005. "Series evaluation of Tweedie exponential dispersion model densities." Statistics and Computing. 15 (4), pp. 267-280. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11222-005-4070-y
Identifying at-risk students: is it possible in a tertiary preparation course for adults?
Carmichael, Colin S., Dunn, Peter K. and Taylor, Janet A.. 2006. "Identifying at-risk students: is it possible in a tertiary preparation course for adults?" Grootenboer, Peter, Zevenbergen, Robyn and Chinnappan, Mohan (ed.) 29th Annual Conference of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australasia (MERGA29). Canberra, Australia 01 - 05 Jul 2006 Wahroonga, Sydney, Australia.
Power-variance models for modelling rainfall
Dunn, Peter K. and White, Neil. 2005. "Power-variance models for modelling rainfall." Francis, A. R., Matawie, K. M., Oshlack, A. and Smyth, Gordon K. (ed.) 20th International Workshop on Statistical Modelling. Sydney, Australia 10 - 15 Jul 2005
Spying on the winter wheat crop - generating objective planted area and crop production estimates using MODIS imagery
Potgieter, Andries B., Apan, Armando, Hammer, Graeme L. and Dunn, Peter K.. 2005. "Spying on the winter wheat crop - generating objective planted area and crop production estimates using MODIS imagery." Bellman, Chris, Cartwright, William and Shortis, Mark (ed.) 2005 Spatial Sciences Institute Biennial Conference: Spatial Intelligence, Innovation and Praxis (SSC2005). Melbourne, Australia 12 - 16 Sep 2005